Richmond Lattimore and Rodney Merrill offer distinct translations of Homer's *Iliad*, each presenting the epic's themes and characters in unique ways. Lattimore's version is celebrated for its fidelity to the original Greek, maintaining a formal, grand style that echoes the structure and cadence of the ancient text. His translation begins with the invocation of the "anger of Peleus' son Achilleus" and strives to recreate the rhythmic pattern of the original by using a stately and somewhat archaic language. This approach provides a clear and dignified rendering of the epic’s events, such as when Athena motivates Diomedes or when Achilles contemplates his fate, emphasizing the nobility and gravitas of the heroic actions and choices. Rodney Merrill, on the other hand, infuses his translation with a more accessible rhythm that mirrors the original’s meter, aiming to capture the oral tradition aspect of the *Iliad*. Merrill’s use of language is slightly more contemporary, offering clarity while still preserving the epic's majestic quality. For example, his depiction of Achilles' wrath as "ruinous rage" and the vibrant imagery in the "generations of leaves" passage reflect a vivid storytelling style designed to resonate with modern readers. Merrill's translation balances a musicality in the text while still conveying the complexities of fate and choice that Homer presents, such as Achilles' choice between glory and longevity. Both translators bring their own strengths to the epic, with Lattimore leaning towards a more literal and historical approach, while Merrill seeks to evoke the oral tradition and rhythm inherent to the original composition.
Sing, goddess, the anger of Peleus' son Achilleus
and its devastation, which puts pains thousandfold upon the Achaians,
hurled in their multitudes to the house of Hades strong souls
of heroes, but gave their bodies to be the delicate feasting
of dogs, of all birds, and the will of Zeus was accomplished
since that time when first there stood in division of conflict
Atreus' son the lord of men and brilliant Achilleus.
Sing now, goddess, the wrath of Achilles the scion of Peleus,
ruinous rage which brought the Achaians uncounted afflictions;
many the powerful souls it sent to the dwelling of Hades,
those of the heroes, and spoil for the dogs it made of their bodies,
plunder for all of the birds, and the purpose of Zeus was accomplished—
sing from the time when first stood hostile, starting the conflict,
Atreus' scion, the lord of the people, and noble Achilles.